First Aid Kit, with Jade Bird (Sold Out)

Thanks to Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit, “Swedish Folk Americana” is now an actual thing. Klara and Johanna Söderberg recall feeling like outsiders for finding 1970s U.S. culture “exotic” and for obsessing over country stars like Johnny Cash. In their teens they began drawing lyrical inspiration from Swedish folk stories while setting their songs to a rootsy North American sound. Their recorded videos won them spots on Late Night with David Letterman and Ellen and earned multiple Swedish Grammy Awards.

Celebrated for soaring, exquisite harmonies, the duo’s live performances moved Patti Smith and Emmylou Harris to tears. First Aid Kit now returns to the U.S. to debut an acclaimed fourth album, Ruins, which features REM guitarist Peter Buck and Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche. Backed by pedal steel, bass, keyboards, and guitar, First Aid Kit’s live shows transfix audiences with everything from lilting ballads to a head-banging Black Sabbath cover—and their tribute to the #MeToo Movement, “You Are the Problem Here.”

“The Söderbergs remain romantics in an unromantic world, not only writing lyrics about fighting the good fight but making the kind of wide-eyed, ‘70s-tinged folk-rock that thrives on soaring vocals, warm harmonies, big choruses, and heart-on-sleeve lyrics” (Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork).

Where do I park? Can I bring my dog? How about picnics? What happens if it rains? For answers to these questions and others, check out our policies page and menu.

Can’t wait for the show? Join the First Aid Kit concert text group, where we’ll provide real-time weather and traffic-related info on the day of the show. To join, text NCMAfak to 72727. We promise not to send annoying frequent texts, just useful messages and updates. Standard text and data rates apply, and you can stop at any time.

Photography and Recording

Cell phones and small point-and-shoot cameras are permitted. Audio and video recording, professional cameras with detachable lenses, and flash are prohibited.

Summer concerts and movies have been an NCMA tradition for two decades, and we’re excited to launch another season of great music and entertainment. Our venue—the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater in the Museum Park—is situated in the heart of the Museum campus amid gardens, meadows, woodlands, and sculpture.

Seating

Policies

Please observe the following rules and guidelines to enhance your safety and enjoyment of summer concerts and movies.

Blankets and folding chairs are permitted for lawn seating.

Pets are not allowed on the premises.

Smoking is permitted only in a designated area near the theater entrance.

Public restrooms and water fountains are at the bottom of the entrance walkway to the left. Portable toilets are added for large concerts.

Please turn off cell phones during movies. Phone use is allowed at concerts, but please silence your ring tone and be courteous of those around you.

Please note seating chart for each event. If all sections with bleacher seating are marked “reserved,” it is not permitted to dance, stand, or sit in front of the stage.

Picnics are welcome in the amphitheater—or enjoy food prepared by Iris restaurant. An ATM is located just outside East Building. A full menu is available during concerts; traditional concessions are offered during movies. Beer and wine may be purchased inside the venue for all events.

Beverage containers not purchased at the venue must be factory sealed and in non-glass containers. This applies to water, tea, lemonade, or any other beverage. The Museum reserves the right to inspect all containers brought onto the premises.

Parents may bring baby bottles or sippy cups for young children.

Visitors may not bring alcoholic beverages of any type into the Museum Park.

You must be at least 21 to consume wine or beer on the premises. IDs are checked at the gate.

Walkways and stairs must be kept clear; no seating or standing permitted.

Use caution when moving about the facilities after dark.

Events take place rain or shine unless conditions endanger the safety of artists and the public. We’ll post weather updates on the event listing as well as on Facebook and Twitter. You may also call the Museum Box Office, (919) 715-5923, for updates.

The Museum Park Theater is wheelchair accessible from the main parking lot. Volunteers and security personnel stationed at the entrance will provide assistance if needed.

Arts Access provides audio description of selected summer movies.

If a concert is canceled before the headlining artist completes half of the contracted performance, you may obtain a refund for the face value of the ticket. Please contact the Box Office during regular business hours within 90 days of the event date.

If a movie is canceled, you may exchange your ticket for another outdoor movie ticket within the same season.

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